HIV and depression in Eastern Nigeria: The role of HIV-related stigma

Abstract

To examine the prevalence of depression among HIV-positive patients in Eastern Nigeria and to explore its association with HIV-related stigma. One hundred and five patients with a diagnosis of HIV attending HIV clinics in Eastern Nigeria completed a questionnaire consisting of demographic and health background, the Patients Health Questionnaire (to measure depression) and the Berger HIV stigma scale. As many as 33.3% of participants were considered depressed. Depression was positively correlated with overall stigma score with further analysis finding a positive correlation with all four subscales of the questionnaire (personalised stigma, disclosure, negative self-image and public attitudes). Individuals experiencing more side effects of HIV treatment were also rated as more depressed. A regression analysis found that negative self-image and number of treatment side effects were significant predictors of depression. Depression is positively associated with HIV-related stigma in this sample in Eastern Nigeria. As both stigma and depression have been shown to have a negative impact on quality of life for those with HIV, health professionals working to support them should be aware of the impact of stigma on risk of depression. Screening for both HIV-related stigma and depression would be an important intervention to promote both physical and psychological well-being amongst HIV-positive patients in Eastern Nigeria.

Factores demográficos, prácticas sexuales y características del VIH asociados a la percepción de estigma

“…Algo similar se evidenció para el presente estudio donde la población masculina representa un 83,9% de la población total encuestada, así mismo, un estudio mexicano reportó que el 82.6% de los casos de SIDA en 2008 pertenecían al sexo masculino; lo que concuerda claramente con la población de este estudio (18) . El puntaje general de percepción de estigma de Berger en este estudio fue similar a lo reportado en un estudio realizado en Nigeria (19) donde la media de la escala fue de 99,5 , al igual que un estudio en Canadá (20) donde la escala de Berger abreviada de 20 ítems presentó una media de 49, y un estudio realizado en China (24) donde la media fue de 105,7 en la escala de Berger evidencia que la problemática del estigma en las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA no tiene fronteras, se evidencia en cualquier población y cultura, más en unas que en otras, pero se observa que está presente.…”

Social Support, Stigma and Antenatal Depression Among HIV-Infected Pregnant Women in South Africa

“…In addition, recent evidence suggests that psychosocial factors and depression are interrelated. Studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa have identified associations between depressive symptoms and both low levels of social support [15] and high levels of HIV-related stigma [16, 17], and recent research conducted among HIV-infected men and women in South Africa has reported that both HIV-related stigma and social support are independently associated with depression [18]. However, the interrelationships among these constructs are poorly understood, and most previous research has not explored the potentially moderating effect of these factors on the relationships between other factors and depression.…”

The Association of HIV-Related Stigma to HIV Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of the Literature

“…Stigma has consistently been associated with a number of mental health difficulties in cross-sectional and prospective analyses, including increased levels of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, as well as decreases in self-esteem [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. In addition, PLWH may face social consequences, such as negative social interactions [19] or loss of social support [17].…”